North Point Volvo

Introduction

We've generally been pretty high on the Volvo S40. It has consistently offered cutting-edge design, reassuring safety and a premium feel for many thousands less than perennial sport-sedan all-stars like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G35. But the 2009 Volvo S40 no longer offers the impressive value it used to -- the base price of the entry-level 2.4i has risen by more than $4,000 to roughly what the turbocharged T5 model cost last year. As for this year's T5, now known as the T5 R-Design, its base price has ballooned to $32,350, which pits it squarely against the aforementioned all-stars.

To be fair, Volvo didn't just arbitrarily jack up the S40's price. A number of formerly optional or unavailable features are standard this year, such as Bluetooth compatibility, a six-CD changer and a sunroof. And as ever, the S40 carries on Volvo's tradition of offering top-notch safety features and superbly designed seats. As such, the base 2.4i is still a viable alternative for car shoppers who want the style and accoutrements of a premium sport sedan without the hefty price tag. With just 168 horsepower, the S40 2.4i is not an impressive performer and its fuel economy is hardly stellar, but there's a case to be made for it if styling, comfort and safety are high priorities.

There's plenty to be said in the 2009 Volvo S40's favor. It looks sharp inside and out, it offers an impressive roster of standard and optional luxuries, it's safe and it's got some of the best seats in the business.


Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Volvo S40 is a premium compact sedan available in three trim levels: 2.4i, T5 R-Design and T5 AWD R-Design. The new-for-2009 R-Design name refers to a collection of sporty exterior and interior styling cues. The S40 2.4i comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a sunroof, a trip computer, a power driver seat, neoprene-like T-Tec cloth upholstery, a tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, full power accessories, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker audio system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. In addition to its more powerful engine, the T5 R-Design adds a sport suspension, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminum pedals, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a sport shift knob, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a memory function for the driver seat, automatic climate control and R-Design styling cues, including a sport steering wheel and a watch-like gauge cluster. The T5 AWD R-Design adds -- you guessed it -- AWD.

Options for the 2.4i model include the Climate Package, which adds heated front seats, headlight washers and rain-sensing wipers. Leather upholstery is a stand-alone option, as are wood inlays. The T5 R-Design and T5 AWD R-Design can be equipped with a Dynaudio Package that includes a 12-speaker sound system. Stand-alone options for these T5 models include keyless ignition and a navigation system (which is not available on the 2.4i). The T5 R-Design offers upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels that are not available on the AWD model. Active bi-xenon headlights and Volvo's blind-spot information system (BLIS) are options on all S40s.